Fenton, MO (KSDK) -- A woman who walked away from her private residence early Tuesday morning was found several hours later huddled near a creek bed behind a discount store off Old Highway 141.

Investigators used a trained bloodhound to pick up the woman's scent and traced it to a ravine elading to the creek behind the Big Lots store in the 600 block of Gravois Bluffs in Fenton. That is where 71-year-old Margret Munsell was found.

Authorities say the husband of Mrs. Munsell was roused this morning by the security alarm in his home in the 100 block of Samarra Estates Drive off Old Highway 141 near Fenton.

The man got up to investigate and saw the front door of the home standing open and his wife gone.

The man looked around the outside property and then called 911 for help and to report his missing spouse.

Preliminary evidence indicated Munsell was seen in the area of a Steak N' Shake restaurant on Old Highway 141 near McCarthy in St. Louis County according to Jefferson County Lt. John Dolan.

Jefferson County deputies brought in additional manpower to assist during their search, just west of the Meramec River. Among the resources enlisted in the search was a rescue team from Cedar Hill and a dive team in the event evidence leads them to the river.

Jefferson County officials say all indications suggest the woman is fine.

Munsell was taken to a hospital for further evaluation and was released Tuesday afternoon.